August 2025

18 Mona Tougaard Denmark’s Rising “New Super” Model Redefining Global Beauty Standards Mona Tougaard is making waves in the fashion industry in 2025. At only 23, she holds the prestigious title of “New Super” on Models.com. Her Danish, Somali, Ethiopian, and Turkish heritage brings a unique look to every runway she walks. Tou- gaard is not just a model; she is a beacon for diversity and inclu- sion in fashion worldwide. Her Early Life and Background Born in Aarhus, Denmark, in 2002, Mona Tougaard grew up in a multicultural household. Her mother is Danish with Turk- ish ancestry, and her father is Somali-Ethiopian. This diverse heritage contributes to her dis- tinctive beauty, which capti- vated scouts early. At age 12, Tougaard entered the modeling world after winning the Elite Model Look Denmark competi- tion at 15. Her career launched quickly, as her striking features and graceful walk earned atten- tion from top agencies. Career Milestones Since her debut, Tougaard’s tra- jectory has been steep. In 2019, she opened for Prada’s run- way show in Milan. This debut marked her arrival on the global stage. Prada’s casting director described her as “ethereal yet grounded,” a rare combination that immediately attracted other luxury brands. She has since walked for: • Chanel • Louis Vuitton • Givenchy • Valentino • Versace Her campaigns include global ads for Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Loewe. Editorials featuring Tougaard appear in Vogue Paris, Vogue Italia, British Vogue, and i-D Magazine. Her Unique Runway Presence Tougaard’s runway walk is often described as fluid, strong, and elegant. She moves with natu- ral grace, commanding atten- tion without overexaggeration. Her signature expression blends confidence and softness, align - ing with the “new era of mini- mal yet impactful modeling” celebrated in 2025. Advocacy and Influence Beyond modeling, Mona uses her platform to advocate for di- versity. She often speaks about Photos from | @mona_tougaard